PWHL Sets U.S. Attendance Record with 18,006 Fans at Madison Square Garden

New York Sirens defeat Seattle Torrent 2-1 in shootout in front of record crowd

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:38pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors and bold brushstrokes, capturing the intensity and excitement of a packed arena for a women's hockey game.The electric atmosphere of a record-breaking women's hockey crowd at the iconic Madison Square Garden.Boston Today

The Premier Women's Hockey League (PWHL) set a new U.S. attendance record for women's hockey on Saturday, as 18,006 fans packed Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Sirens defeat the Seattle Torrent 2-1 in a shootout. The sold-out crowd surpassed the previous U.S. record of 17,335 set at Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena in February.

Why it matters

The record-breaking attendance is a testament to the growing popularity and rising profile of women's professional hockey in the United States. The PWHL has now broken the U.S. attendance record four times this season, highlighting the league's ability to draw large crowds and generate excitement around the sport.

The details

Sarah Fillier tied the game for New York with 3:45 remaining in regulation before scoring in the shootout. Defender Maja Nylén Persson netted the shootout winner while goaltender Kayle Osborne stopped 20 shots and four of five shootout attempts for her ninth win of the season. Alex Carpenter scored Seattle's lone goal on a power play in the second period. The Torrent outshot New York 38-21 but fell short in the end.

  • The sold-out crowd set a new US attendance benchmark for women's hockey on April 6, 2026.
  • The previous US attendance record of 17,335 was set at Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena on February 27, 2026.

The players

Hilary Knight

Torrent and Team USA captain.

Sarah Fillier

New York Sirens player who tied the game late in regulation and scored in the shootout.

Maja Nylén Persson

New York Sirens defender who netted the shootout winner.

Kayle Osborne

New York Sirens goaltender who stopped 20 shots and four of five shootout attempts for her ninth win of the season.

Alex Carpenter

Seattle Torrent player who scored the team's lone goal on a power play in the second period.

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What they’re saying

“People ask if I'm surprised. I'm not surprised that we sold out MSG. It's a testament to the caliber of play that we have, our fanbase, the product that we put together, and the work that we do when the lights aren't bright.”

— Hilary Knight, Torrent and Team USA captain

What’s next

Boston anticipates its own sellout at TD Garden next week, as the Fleet host Montreal in what should rank second in US attendance for the league.

The takeaway

The record-breaking attendance at Madison Square Garden highlights the growing popularity and rising profile of women's professional hockey in the United States. The PWHL's ability to consistently draw large crowds and generate excitement around the sport is a testament to the high-quality play and dedicated fanbase of the league.